Job Discussion Forums

[mrwslee003]

What we did to prepare for emergency situations:
We tried to prepare for all situations-we had our credit cards, email accounts, internet banking into our accounts, etc. So if we are in a
bind like out of money we can use our credit cards. If we need cash
we can draw from our accounts. Just in the remotest situation
we had to return to our home country, because of illness or whatever,
we were ready to do that too. So, in terms of fear, it was minimized.

It is a big step going to live in another country, but if you don't burn
any bridges you can extricate yourself from any situation. Plus, we tried to make connections with the local contacts we met. Any friendly face who tried to help, we accepted with gusto.

And we did make friends right away, which helped smooth our settlement.
Having other FTs around helped too in sharing experiences and frustrations. Most of all, a positive attitude is essential, plus patience and
a smaller ego as well. As mentions by others, humility is a good friend to
have near by.

[Non Sequitur]

I recall feeling that I was way out of my comfort zone on my way to my first gig in 2004.
'Scared' is OK.

[Sophisticate]

[Non Sequitur]

RMB5500 is about right for a provincial uni-type basic teacher job, but as always depends on the other bits and pieces - hours/accom/airfares etc.
PS I do wish posters who deride salary levels that are the norm in most of the public education sector in China would follow it up with 'I get RMB n per month, luxury pad, 10 hours teaching pw, free utilities..'